Luxury Nepal & Bhutan Journey A Bespoke Himalayan Experience

Destination

Kathmandu • Paro • Thimphu • Punakha • Pokhara • Chitwan National Park • Bhaktapur • Nagarkot

Group Size

Solo to 15

High Season

March – May & September – November

Low Season

June – August & December – February

Accommodation Standard

Premium 5-Star Luxury Hotels & Boutique Resorts

Overview

This thoughtfully curated journey combines the cultural treasures of Nepal and Bhutan with immersive experiences, luxury accommodations, private guided excursions, and carefully paced activities. Designed for discerning travelers, the itinerary balances heritage, adventure, wellness, wildlife, and scenic beauty while allowing ample time to relax and appreciate each destination.

Highlights

Experience the best of Nepal and Bhutan on a carefully curated 16-day luxury journey.
Stay in handpicked luxury hotels and resorts, offering exceptional comfort, service, and breathtaking surroundings.
Explore the scenic countryside of Pokhara on guided cycling adventures through villages, terraced fields, and tranquil lakes.
Discover Pokhara’s iconic attractions, including Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Davis Falls, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences in Chitwan National Park, featuring jeep safaris, canoe rides, birdwatching, and Tharu cultural performances.
Visit Nepal’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Take one of the world’s most spectacular Himalayan flights between Kathmandu and Paro.
Explore Bhutan’s cultural treasures, including Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Dochula Pass, and magnificent dzongs and monasteries.
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Bhutan’s most celebrated landmark.
Unwind with panoramic Himalayan sunrise and sunset views, wellness experiences, private guided tours, and authentic cultural encounters throughout your journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Connecting Flight to Pokhara

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, guests are warmly welcomed by your private representative and escorted to Kathmandu Domestic Airport. Connect to a domestic flight to Pokhara.

Upon arrival in Pokhara International Airport, Transfer to Sarangkot,
Check-in at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (Executive Suite).
Relax and enjoy sunset views over the Himalayas.

Day 2: Pokhara Cycling Exploration

After breakfast, begin a professionally guided cycling excursion through the picturesque countryside surrounding Pokhara. (Cycling Route can be different than mentioned below)
Today’s route passes:
- Rural villages
- Terraced rice fields
- Traditional Gurung settlements
- Forest trails
- Mountain viewpoints
- Local village interaction

Accommodation: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge – Pokhara

Day 3: Pokhara Cycling Exploration

Today’s ride offers a gentler pace through one of Nepal’s most peaceful landscapes.

Cycle along quiet country roads surrounding:

Begnas Lake
Rupa Lake
Organic farms
Traditional villages

Enjoy opportunities to:

Meet local families
Visit community agriculture project

Accommodation: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge – Pokhara

Day 4: Transfer to City Barahi – Sarangkot and Local Sightseeing

Breakfast. Check out, Transfer to City Barahi
Check-in at Barahi Pokhara (Suite)
Morning visit to Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi Temple.
Explore Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.

Overnight at Hotel Barahi, Pokhara city.

Day 5: Transfer to Chitwan and Jungle Lodge Stay

Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through central Nepal to Chitwan National Park.

Check into one of Nepal’s finest luxury jungle lodges. After lunch:

Nature walk
Sunset by the Rapti River
Tharu cultural performance

Enjoy an elegant dinner surrounded by nature.

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Day 6: Chitwan National Park Activities

Today’s wildlife experiences are led by expert naturalists.

Activities include:

Jeep Safari
Canoe Ride in Rapti River

Accommodation : Barahi Jungle Lodge – Chitwan

Day 7: Chitwan Exploration

Today’s wildlife experiences are led by expert naturalists.

Activities include:

Early morning birdwatching
Long Jeep Safari
Wildlife interpretation
Crocodiles breeding Center visit

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge – Chitwan

Day 8: Return to Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu.
Check-in at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junier Suite) for 1 night.
Explore two or 3 World Heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.

Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel.

Day 9: Fly Kathmandu to Thimphu, Bhutan

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the spectacular Himalayan flight to Bhutan.
The approach into Paro is considered one of the world’s most scenic flights, offering magnificent aerial views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks.
Upon arrival in Paro, meet your Bhutanese guide before driving through beautiful valleys to Bhutan’s charming capital, Thimphu.
Depending on arrival time, visit:

Memorial Chorten
Buddha Dordenma Statue
Tashichho Dzong
Local handicraft markets
Enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the valley.

Accommodation: Pemako

Day 10: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu

Following breakfast, journey over the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,100 m), offering panoramic Himalayan vistas and the famous 108 chortens.
Descend into the fertile Punakha Valley.

Punakha Dzong
Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
Suspension Bridge
Traditional Bhutanese villages
Return to Thimphu in the afternoon. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Pemako

Day 11: Transfer Thimphu to Paro

After breakfast, depart for Paro. Explore Bhutan’s historic valley including:

Rinpung Dzong
National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Kyichu Lhakhang
Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse
Paro town
Browse artisan boutiques featuring handmade textiles and Bhutanese crafts.

Accommodation: ZhiwaLing Heritage,

Day 12: Paro Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike

Today is dedicated to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark.
Embark on the unforgettable hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
The trail winds through fragrant pine forests decorated with prayer flags before arriving at the breathtaking monastery dramatically perched on a cliff over 900 meters above the valley floor.
Enjoy refreshments at the famous Taktsang Cafeteria overlooking the monastery. Following the hike, return to Paro.

Accommodation: ZhiwaLing Heritage

Day 13: Paro to Kathmandu and Transfer to Nagarkot

Fly from Paro to Kathmandu. Transfer to Nagarkot.
Check-in at Kavya Resort and Spa (Two Bedroom Villa) for 1 night.
Sunset views over the Himalayas from Nagarkot.

Day 14: Nagarkot to Kathmandu

Early morning sunrise viewing at Nagarkot.
Return to Kathmandu, Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square,
Check-in at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junior Suite) for 2 nights.

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square or relax at the hotel

Day 15: Kathmandu Cultural Tour

Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
Evening Ayurvedic wellness and sound healing treatment.
Farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurant at Krishnarpan

Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel.

Day 16: Departure

Leisurely morning depending on flight schedule.
Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.

Quick Enquiry

Inclusions

Fourteen nights’ luxury accommodation in carefully selected five-star hotels and resorts.
Daily breakfast at each hotel, with full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the Bhutan and Chitwan programs.
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus selected welcome and farewell dinners.
Private airport transfers and luxury private vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing in Nepal and Bhutan.
Experienced English-speaking guides in Nepal and a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout Bhutan.
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), visa processing, and all government taxes.

Business Class airfare: Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu.
Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Pokhara and Chitwan – Kathmandu.
Guided cycling excursions in Pokhara with premium mountain bikes and safety equipment.
Private guided sightseeing tours with all applicable monument entrance fees.
Chitwan National Park experiences, including jeep safari, canoe ride, birdwatching, jungle walk, and Tharu cultural performance.
Bottled drinking water during all sightseeing and transfers.
Dedicated assistance from local representatives throughout the journey.

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Nepal, including international airport taxes (if applicable).
Nepal entry visa fees.
Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, minibar items, room service, and beverages.
Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.

Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara, unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Optional activities, including helicopter tours, spa treatments, hot stone baths, yoga sessions, and wellness therapies.
Camera and video fees at monuments and heritage sites where applicable.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and porters.
Expenses arising from flight delays, weather conditions, natural disasters, political events, or any circumstances beyond the operator’s control, as well as any services not specifically mentioned under “Tour Inclusions.”

Things to Carry

Passport and Visa:

Carry a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, along with your visas, travel insurance, flight tickets, and printed or digital copies of all important travel documents.

Travel Insurance:

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip delays, and cancellations throughout your journey.

Cash and Credit Cards:

Carry sufficient local currency for personal expenses, especially in remote areas, while also bringing your credit or debit cards for use in major cities and hotels.

Medications and First Aid Kit:

Carry your personal medications, a basic first-aid kit, toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, lip balm, moisturizer, and insect repellent.

Modest and Layered Clothing:

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, including lightweight outfits for daytime, warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and modest attire for visiting temples, monasteries, and dzongs.

Electrical Adapters and Chargers:

Pack a camera, chargers, extra batteries or memory cards, a universal travel adapter, and a portable power bank to keep your devices charged.

Reusable Water Bottle:

Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle, electrolyte sachets or hydration tablets, healthy snacks, and any prescribed medication.

Dos

Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Nepal and Bhutan are culturally rich nations with deep-rooted traditions. Dress modestly, observe local etiquette, and be respectful when visiting religious and cultural sites.
Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, monasteries, dzongs, and rural communities.
Remove Shoes Where Required: Remove your shoes before entering temples, monasteries, and private homes whenever customary.
Be Punctual: Arrive on time for airport transfers, guided tours, and scheduled activities to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Practice Responsible Tourism: Help preserve the natural beauty of Nepal and Bhutan by avoiding littering, minimizing plastic waste, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and protected areas.
Respect Local Communities: Greet locals politely, ask permission before photographing people, and support local artisans and businesses whenever possible.

Dont’s

Do Not Disrespect Religious and Cultural Sites: Follow dress codes, remain quiet, and respect all rules at temples, monasteries, dzongs, stupas, and other sacred places. Avoid touching sacred objects or taking photos where prohibited.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection are generally considered inappropriate, particularly near religious sites and in rural communities.
Do Not Disrespect Local Customs or Communities: Refrain from inappropriate remarks or gestures, and always respect local traditions, beliefs, and cultural practices
Do Not Take Photographs Without Permission: Always ask for permission before photographing local people, especially monks, worshippers, or individuals in traditional communities.
Do Not Litter or Harm the Environment: Dispose of waste responsibly, stay on designated paths, and help preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of Nepal and Bhutan.
Do Not Ignore Safety Instructions: Follow the guidance of your guides, drivers, and local authorities during sightseeing, wildlife activities, and transportation.
Avoid Smoking in Restricted Areas: Smoking is prohibited in many public places and heritage sites. Use only designated smoking areas where permitted.

Prohibited Items in Nepal:

Illegal drugs and narcotics: All forms of illegal substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, cannabis, and synthetic drugs are strictly banned. Possession, trafficking, or use of these drugs can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or even capital punishment in severe cases.
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: Importing or possessing guns, rifles, ammunition, bombs, explosives, and fireworks without explicit government authorization is illegal. This includes replicas and parts of weapons, aimed at preventing violence and maintaining public safety.
Pornographic and obscene materials: Materials considered obscene or pornographic, including magazines, videos, DVDs, and digital content, are prohibited. The government restricts these to uphold cultural and moral standards.
Counterfeit goods: Fake currency, pirated software, counterfeit branded products (clothing, electronics, accessories) are banned. Customs actively intercepts such items to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
Endangered wildlife and plant products: Items made from protected species such as ivory, rhino horns, tiger skins, exotic woods, and animal derivatives are illegal under national laws and international treaties like CITES. This protects biodiversity and prevents illegal wildlife trade.
Hazardous chemicals: Toxic, flammable, radioactive, or otherwise dangerous chemicals require special permits. Unauthorized import or possession is prohibited to avoid environmental damage and public health risks.
Materials promoting terrorism or violence: Any publications, digital content, or items that incite terrorism, violence, hate speech, or subversion against the state are banned to maintain law and order.
Protected religious and cultural artifacts: Certain antiques, religious statues, manuscripts, and cultural relics are protected by law. Unauthorized export or import is forbidden to preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage

Restricted Items in Nepal:

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: Travelers may bring limited quantities for personal use, subject to customs duties and declaration. Commercial import requires licenses, excise tax compliance, and adherence to age restrictions.
Medicines and pharmaceuticals: Some medicines require prescriptions and import permits, especially controlled substances and psychotropic drugs. Travelers must carry prescriptions and declare medicines at customs to avoid confiscation.
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: Import and operation of drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Regulations govern flight zones, privacy, and safety to prevent misuse.
Cultural antiques and archaeological artifacts: Importing or exporting antiques and archaeological items requires government permits to prevent illegal trafficking and protect national heritage.
Food, plants, seeds, and animal products: These are subject to quarantine and import restrictions to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species. Customs may confiscate prohibited agricultural products.
Large sums of currency: Amounts exceeding approximately USD 5,000 or equivalent must be declared at customs to prevent money laundering and illegal financial transactions.
Electronic devices: Certain communication equipment, encryption tools, and radio transmitters require licenses or government approval before import or use to ensure compliance with national security and communication regulations.

Why Partner with Going Nepal?

Partnering with Going Nepal B2B Luxury DMC provides significant benefits for businesses looking to offer high-end travel experiences. The partnership combines expert knowledge, personalized service, and exclusive access to premium properties, ensuring clients receive exceptional and tailored journeys.